Several IT firms and IT parks have introduced parking fee for employees. Many of them say it is to encourage them to opt for car pools or use company transport. Infosys is also charging its staff for use of its nine-storey parking facility.

“We charge Rs 250 a month for four-wheelers. However, we have waived charges for those who use car pools,” said Pramila Kalive, vice-president and global head (talent management) with Zensar. Parking is free for two-wheelers. “We have plans to introduce parking charges for two-wheelers, too,” she said. Kalive said it was a move to encourage car-pooling and use of company transport. The charges were introduced a year ago and the staff explained the reason. “While there has been a significant dip in number of employees driving to office, the amount we get as parking fee is used for our corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities related to green IT,” she added.

Infosys had introduced parking fee a year ago, on a no-profit, no-loss basis with monthly charges pegged at Rs 200 for cars and Rs 50 for two-wheelers in its nine-storey parking facility in phase II of Hinjewadi. One-off charges are Rs 20 per car and Rs 5 per two-wheeler. “We were told that the charges were to discourage employees from getting their own vehicles to office thus reducing pollution and saving fuel. However, considering the amount, not many employees are discouraged from getting their vehicles to office. In fact, many prefer to drive because they have to leave at least 30 minutes early to catch a bus. Even the half-an-hour buffer time in the morning is crucial for us,” said an employee.

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